Military Base Security Measures & OPSEC

[RADIOMAN015]

Hello folks:

Just as a reminder, for those of you that meet on a military base, you may see a specific alphabetical code after you go through the security checkpoint.   This is NOT releasable to the general public.  e.g. shouldn't be posted to CAPTALK.

Also you might see other security activity on the base that is not normal -- again this shouldn't be posted to CAPTALK.

The security procedure used for getting visitors through security checkpoints to your meeting also should not be discussed on any public forum board.  Also IF you have any doubt about a visitor's intentions once they enter, make sure you've got security dispatch on your speed dial on your cellphone and use it.

When you are approaching the base pay close attention to anyone parked on the side of the road or in parking lots close to the base.  IF you see anything suspicious report it to the gate security guard.   
RM
                 

[mclarke]

This is interesting you mention this considering Yahoo new just an an article explain the entire differences and meanings of our codes for condition. Fact is, the codes are not the OPSEC issue, only the tactics used per that code. Anyone with a twitter or internet account probally has a live update straight from the DHS that updates them on the changing of levels

[Flying Pig]

Hmmmm

Now that we know everything is going to be different....for some reason.  I bet if you hadnt posted a warning, it would have never come up here anyway.  I think we'd be better off deleting anything that is posted in the future regarding the issue (should that occur) than broadcasting a CAP public safety announcement just in case.

[NCRblues]

You can get most military bases entry procedures off of their websites....

[JeffDG]

Wait, why is the CIVIL Air Patrol meeting on military bases? 

[a2capt]

Heck, some bases even post the "letter" on a huge board at the entrance so those who know what it means know what to expect.

RM, give it up.

[Spaceman3750]

Wait, why is the CIVIL Air Patrol meeting on military bases? 

I don't think so. Aren't we supposed to meet at boy scout camps and senior centers? :angel:

[PhoenixRisen]

A quick Google search reveals numerous base websites that display their current FPCON, as well as explanations of what the different levels mean for those trying to get onto the bases.  It's treason, I tell you.  Treason!

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Wait, why is the CIVIL Air Patrol meeting on military bases? 

(rimshot) :clap:

I haven't seen anything different.

If there is, it isn't obvious enough for me to notice, and if it's THAT obvious, I go into "don't ask" mode.  If I have a need to know, I'm sure someone will tell me, and then I sure wouldn't post it on ANY public forum.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

Anyone with an OpSec concern should feel compelled to say something without the risk of being ridiculed. OpSec is a real concern to us in CAP. Even though we are civilians we are still trusted with some sensitive items and information and we need to be sure that we safeguard it. Feel free to say something.

[arajca]

Feel free to say something.

Something.

[blackrain]

You know I would say the biggest threat is not on base but just off base. Remember what happened outside of CIA headquarters back in the 90s. Too easy to know that 99% of those coming and going from a military base are unarmed. Not to mention all the business/eating establishments  surrounding military bases crowded with personnel at lunch. One big fat target. You can protect the base allright but otherwise you're SOL.

[jimmydeanno]

Anyone with an OpSec concern should feel compelled to say something without the risk of being ridiculed. OpSec is a real concern to us in CAP. Even though we are civilians we are still trusted with some sensitive items and information and we need to be sure that we safeguard it. Feel free to say something.

It isn't as big a thing as most people make it out to be.  The people who handle actual sensitive information are screened and told that they can't share.  Admin folks who have SSNs on applications know not to pass them around. 

Things like base access rules are meant to be shared, that way people know what they need to do to have access.  Otherwise, we'd be showing up at the gate for a crapshoot.  Nobody would know what credentials to present.

Things like FPCON levels are meant to be shared.  People are supposed to know that the base is at FPCON Delta and that they need to implement certain procedures.  The procedures are even written on the code sign on each building.

An understanding of what OPSEC actually is, is what most of our members need to know.  That way our members don't go around acting like they're working for some sort of secret squirrel organization as some sort of special forces operator. 

[a2capt]

Hey, when the work day stretches on.. and the key people don't go home .. what kind of things happen?

Food gets ordered for delivery.

When the pizza deliveries to the Pentagon pick up the pace a bit, you gotta wonder whats going in inside the rings.. and the typical drivers experience getting into the building/lot/wherever they are going to make the handoff.

[RADIOMAN015]

Heck, some bases even post the "letter" on a huge board at the entrance so those who know what it means know what to expect.
RM, give it up.

Our local military bases' release to the press have stated "increased security", no letter codes.   IF you see the code you keep it to yourself.  It is suppose to be just inside the security area (after the guard shack), and depending upon the approach road to the particular base, may not be visible until inside the security area.

You know I would say the biggest threat is not on base but just off base. Remember what happened outside of CIA headquarters back in the 90s. Too easy to know that 99% of those coming and going from a military base are unarmed. Not to mention all the business/eating establishments  surrounding military bases crowded with personnel at lunch. One big fat target. You can protect the base allright but otherwise you're SOL.

That's why I mentioned to be observant when you are driving down the access road to the base.  Personally I hate to be in ANY line of vehicles being checked out by security outside the security fence line.

Anyone with an OpSec concern should feel compelled to say something without the risk of being ridiculed. OpSec is a real concern to us in CAP. Even though we are civilians we are still trusted with some sensitive items and information and we need to be sure that we safeguard it. Feel free to say something.

An understanding of what OPSEC actually is, is what most of our members need to know.  That way our members don't go around acting like they're working for some sort of secret squirrel organization as some sort of special forces operator. 

USAF has a program called 'Eagle Eyes' http://www.osi.andrews.af.mil/eagleeyes/index.asp, there's no reason why CAP members can't participate in this program IF they meet on a military installation or even travel on a daily basis close to security fences etc of military bases. 

RM

[NCRblues]

Radioman...my god give it up...

Whiteman AFB is in FPCON bravo...wanna know how i found that out?

I called the telephone number that's on the front page of the whiteman website....

http://www.whiteman.af.mil/

its on the right hand side of the screen, go ahead and call...it gives you the FPCON and the DEFENITION of the current FPCON....

ITS NOT SECERT SQUIRREL STUFF....

[capmaj]

Radioman, aren't you from Massachusetts? Hanscom AFB and Westover ARB both have their security status streaming across neon banners at the gates. It's no big secret!

[AirDX]

Our local military bases' release to the press have stated "increased security", no letter codes.   IF you see the code you keep it to yourself.  It is suppose to be just inside the security area (afterions down to at individual building e the guard shack), and depending upon the approach road to the particular base, may not be visible until inside the security area.

You ARE on planet Earth, right?

As numerous other posters have noted, the FPCON level is widely broadcast (including on the big signs outside major bases, on the entry points to smaller installations down to individual building doorways) because people NEED TO KNOW what the current area level is.  It's not just base access that's affected.  Remeber your Antiterrorism Level I training?  Everyone should be aware so they can take personal measures if required.

I'm TDY in Singapore right now, and the FPCON went to BRAVO with everyone else's.  It's public knowledge, click here:

http://www.pacom.mil/web/PACOM_Resources/Word/J34-Country-Requirements-(01_May_11).docx

[RADIOMAN015]

Hmm, interesting information posted by many about the FPCON at specific military installations being accessible to anyone via websites or by calling a phone number

So I guess that leaves the typical CAP member with just being observant and keeping in mind the the potential preventive programs such as:

Air Force Eagle Eyes 

General Aviation Secure Program http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/general_aviation/programs_sp.shtm#general_aviation

America's Waterways Watch Program http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentTypeId=2&channelId=-18383&contentId=110924&programId=13122&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2Feditorial.jsp&pageTypeId=13489&BV_SessionID=@@@@1307794490.1304725055@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadfdhjehgljcfjgcfgfdffhdghk.0

Perhaps CAP units on military installations can get someone from the security police/department to give a short briefing on security & terrorist alerts and how it will affect the CAP unit.
RM 

[mclarke]

Hmm, interesting information posted by many about the FPCON at specific military installations being accessible to anyone via websites or by calling a phone number

So I guess that leaves the typical CAP member with just being observant and keeping in mind the the potential preventive programs such as:

Air Force Eagle Eyes 

General Aviation Secure Program http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/general_aviation/programs_sp.shtm#general_aviation

America's Waterways Watch Program http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentTypeId=2&channelId=-18383&contentId=110924&programId=13122&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2Feditorial.jsp&pageTypeId=13489&BV_SessionID=@@@@1307794490.1304725055@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadfdhjehgljcfjgcfgfdffhdghk.0

Perhaps CAP units on military installations can get someone from the security police/department to give a short briefing on security & terrorist alerts and how it will affect the CAP unit.
RM

Here is your briefing.

FPCON are: Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta.
Normal: No threat, to reason to believe there is a threat.
Alpha: Reason to believe there is a threat, however, no reason to believe action will be taken.
Bravo: Reason to believe there is a threat and it will be carried out.
Charlie: Reason to assume the threat is in the process of being carried out.
Delta: Threat HAS been carried out.

Security procedures: Differ according to location, base, and command.

Wow, I got that from wikipedia, I hope the terrorists do not know about wiki.
Normal: No threat, no intel to suggest a threat.
Alpha: Intel of threat, but no reason to assume it is inimit.